Editors, Join the Editors Special Interest Group on Facebook

We could all use some professional advice now and then. As part of AAEA’s strategic plan, the Ag Communicators Network has launched Special Interest Groups. These are peer groups of professionals interested in sharing common interests, advice, expertise and challenges, for the sake of improving our skillsets.

AAEA has already started SIGs for freelancers, photographers, association communicators and young professionals. You can learn more about those groups here. The AAEA Editor SIG is a gathering place for working journalists, mainly editors and reporters for commercial publications. Job functions would include editing, writing, interviewing, working with other writers and reporters, and/or publishing. It does not include public relations or farm organization communications activities.

If you’re an editor looking to talk about workplace problems or tap the expertise of other editors, go to our AAEA Editors SIG Facebook page. Make a request to join and the administrator will review the request.

The Editors SIG will be used as a vehicle for a number of purposes. Examples include:

An editor who needs advice about dealing with a difficult source.

An editor who is looking for ideas to become more efficient at his/her job.

An editor who is looking to become better at selecting his/her AAEA writing entries.

An editor wishing to become more efficient while interviewing, photographing or videographing during a farm visit.

An editor wishing to share what was his/her best story.

An editor who is willing to share what their most embarrassing moment has been while on the job.

A discussion on what makes a good lead.

These are just a few ideas. We can take this group in any direction you feel would be beneficial. And, we can meet informally to discuss issues at the upcoming Ag Media Summit or at regional workshops. In future we could hold webinars.